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it's been exactly a year since i left durango...i've been reflecting on this for the last couple of days.  it's been quite a year.  it's been a strange year...let me explain.

on the one hand this has been the best year of my life.  the transition from being single to being married has been relatively simple.  i love being married to amy!  i've also been able to make a few friends and establish some good relationships here in boston.  we love our church and it's been pretty easy to integrate into the life of reunion.  our community group has surpassed all expectations i had going in...what an amazing experience that has been!  i've been able to work and earn enough income to provide for our needs...we have great health insurance, and haven't had to worry too much about money.  God has provided for us in so many ways beyond jobs...we received some inheritance money, i sold my car (actually mom sold my car =), we got a lot back in taxes, and there just seems to be a myriad of big and little ways we've been taken care of beyond our own efforts.  we're even in a position where we are able to at least consider purchasing property.  beyond all that, it's just fun living in a city, exploring boston, and enjoying opportunities to see the red sox and good concerts.  finally, as i posted a few weeks ago, there has been lots of growth this year in my own life, "how to be a man 101" stuff that has been really good.

on the other hand, this has been a really difficult year for me, especially vocationally.  starbucks has taken a pound of my flesh (literally, as i have been dealing with some skin issues on my hands), and bird street has taken a pound of my soul.  i've been working at least 50 hours a week for almost eight months now.  i wake up at 4:45 am at least three days a week and i feel exhausted most of the time.  now, i've added fundraising and preparation for time with sojourn on top of the rest of the craziness.  

someone (i think it was sarah beth) asked me how i thought transitioning back into ministry would be a good way to "slow down" and simplify my schedule and life.  and it may not be.  but i remember a conversation i had once with my brother in law, john, who worked construction during his first year of marriage.  that experience led him to believe that he'd rather "break his back building the kingdom of God than building houses."  i feel the same way.

in so many ways, this has been a crazy year, and we may be stepping into a whole new level of craziness and uncertainty.  but i think if i'm going to give up my life for something, it's not going to be for coffee and after school programs.